AU2020308099A1

AU2020308099A1 - Harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow using bone press apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2020308099A1
Application number: AU2020308099A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Sean HENSLER; Peter D. Highlander
Original assignee: H&M Innovations LLC
Current assignee: H&M Innovations LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-28
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: US11896241B2; US11540843B2; US20200405324A1; US20230139232A1; CA3145562A1; US11344319B2; US20200405911A1

Abstract

Methods of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow include extracting loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow — including a liquid component thereof — to a collection container that has a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. After extraction, the suction source is disconnected and a lid of the collection container is removed and replaced with a lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the first cup. The filtered liquid is poured through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains. The bone is extracted through a cortical opening in the femur, tibia, or calcaneus, or from an intermedullary canal that is preferably formed by reaming of the tibia using an orthopedic reamer.

Description

HARVESTING CANCELLOUS BONE AND BONE MARROW

USING BONE PRESS APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] For purposes of the United States, the present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, each of: U.S. provisional patent application 16/868,855, fded June 28, 2019, which '855 application is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. provisional patent application 16/868,860, filed June 28, 2019, which '860 application is incorporated by reference herein. For purposes of everywhere else, the present application claims priority under the Paris Convention to each of: U.S. provisional patent application 16/868,855, filed June 28,

2019, which '855 application is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. provisional patent application 16/868,860, filed June 28, 2019, which '860 application is incorporated by reference herein.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

[002] Any new and original work of authorship in this document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. Reproduction by anyone of this document as it appears in official governmental records is permitted, but otherwise all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus used for harvesting cancellous bone and marrow and, preferably, harvesting autologous cancellous bone and marrow from a distal femur, proximal tibia, distal tibia, or calcaneus of an individual for use as an autograft for that individual; and an intramedullary canal that is formed in a medullary cavity of a bone of an individual for use as an autograft for that individual, which bone of the medullar cavity may be the tibia or the femur.

[004] With regard to harvesting autologous cancellous bone and marrow from an intramedullary canal that is formed in a medullary cavity of a bone of an individual, intramedullary reaming currently is believed to be the preferred procedure of medical professionals.

[005] Additionally, another procedure is known that is used for harvesting cancellous bone and marrow from the posterior superior iliac spine and, in particular, harvesting autologous cancellous bone and marrow from the posterior superior iliac spine of an individual for use in that individual. The procedure has been nicknamed the“ Ray Iliac Procedure” and is disclosed in U.S. patent application 62/868,779, which is incorporated herein by reference. The procedure is based on use of a bone press apparatus as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,920,393, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such bone press apparatus are commercially sold by Hensler Surgical Products, LLC, of Wilmington, NC.

[006] While these known procedures are believed to be adequate for use in harvesting cancellous bone and marrow, it is believed that additionally improvements can be made in harvesting cancellous bone and marrow, especially from the femur and tibia. Such additional improvements are believed to be provided by one or more aspects and features of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [007] The invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of harvesting from a distal femur, a proximal tibia, a distal tibia, a calcaneus, and an intermedullary canal, the invention is not limited to use only in such areas. For example, it is contemplated that the invention also is applicable to other areas, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more

embodiments of the invention.

[008] Accordingly, in an aspect of the invention, a method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow comprises the steps of: (a) creating an intermedullary canal, including loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow along the canal; (b) inserting a suction tube through the intermedullary canal and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal through the suction tube, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction tube being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected; (c) after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the collection container; (d) removing the first lid of the collection container from the first cup of the collection container; (e) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup; (f) filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the first cup; and (g) pouring the filtered liquid from the first cup through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi- solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the first cup.

[009] In a feature, the step of creating the intermedullary canal is performed using an orthopedic reamer, wherein the method further preferably comprises collecting cancellous bone and bone marrow from the reamer after withdrawing the reamer from the intermedullary canal.

[010] In a feature, the intermedullary canal that is formed begins at a distal end of a tibia and extends along a longitudinal axis of the tibia toward a proximal end of the tibia.

[Oil] In a feature, extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal comprises passing the suction tube in and out of the intermedullary canal while spinning the tube with one hand and holding with the other hand the collection container to which the suction tube is attached.

[012] In a feature, extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal comprises passing the suction tube in and out of the intermedullary canal over a guide wire that extends within the intermedullary canal.

[013] In a feature, the method further comprises pouring or drawing the filtered liquid from the second cup into a syringe and injecting the liquid within an autograft or directly into an operative site to promote healing.

[014] In a feature, the method further comprises leaving the suction apparatus attached to the lid for repeating the harvesting method. [015] In a feature, the second lid having the plunger additionally comprises a vent, whereby a low pressure is not created within the first cup during pouring of the liquid through the suction port while depressing the plunger.

[016] In a feature, no irrigation is performed during the method that would dilute the extracted liquid.

[017] In a feature, no suction is applied to the first cup during depressing of the plunger.

[018] In another aspect, a method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow comprises the steps of: (a) creating an opening in cortical bone; (b) accessing through the opening and loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow; (c) inserting a suction apparatus through the opening and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction apparatus being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected; (d) after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the collection container; (e) removing the first lid of the collection container from the first cup of the collection container; (f) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup; (g) filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the first cup; and (h) pouring the filtered liquid from the first cup through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the first cup.

[019] In a feature, the suction apparatus comprises a suction wand, and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow preferably comprises sweeping a distal end of the suction wand in various directions while extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, wherein the sweeping step is performed while holding the collection container to which the suction apparatus is attached.

[020] In a feature, the method further comprises pouring or drawing the filtered liquid from the second cup into a syringe and injecting the liquid within an autograft or directly into an operative site to promote healing.

[021] In a feature, the method further comprises leaving the suction apparatus attached to the lid for repeating the harvesting method.

[022] In a feature, no irrigation is performed that would dilute the extracted liquid.

[023] In a feature, no suction is applied to the first cup during depressing of the plunger.

[024] In a feature, the step of creating an opening in cortical bone comprises using a high-speed drill having a cutting burr to create the opening. The cutting burr preferably is used to create the opening and to loosening the cancellous bone and bone marrow for extraction that is accessed through the opening. The cutting burr preferably is a 4 mm cutting burr or a 5 mm cutting burr.

[025] In a feature, the step of creating an opening in cortical bone comprises using a drill comprising a 4 mm cutting burr followed by replacing the 4 mm cutting burr with a 5 mm cutting burr and continuing to use the drill.

[026] In a feature, the method preferably comprises using 6 mm and then 7 mm currettes to increase the size of the opening when a large amount of cancellous bone and bone marrow is needed. [027] In a feature, a maximum dimension of the opening created is approximately 6 mm to 7 mm.

[028] In a feature, a drill is used and the depth of drilling is between 1.8 cm to 2.3 cm inclusive.

[029] In yet another feature, 8 cc to 12 cc of cancellous bone and 10 cc to 15 cc of bone marrow is obtained within 8 minutes.

[030] Another aspects relate to a method of harvesting, from an individual, in an operating room and within 8 minutes, at least 8 cc to 12 cc of a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone of the individual and, separated therefrom, at least 10 cc to 15 cc of liquid bone marrow of the individual. The method comprises: (a) using a high-speed drill having a cutting burr to create a cortical window in cortical bone; (b) further using the high-speed drill to loosen for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow accessed through the cortical window; (c) inserting a suction apparatus through the cortical window and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction apparatus being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected; (d) after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the collection container; (e) removing the first lid of the collection container from the first cup of the collection container; (f) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup; (g) filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the first cup; and (h) pouring the filtered liquid from the first cup through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the first cup.

[031] In a feature, the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a distal tibia.

[032] In a feature, the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a distal femur.

[033] In a feature, the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a proximal tibia.

[034] In a feature, the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a calcaneus.

[035] In another aspect, a method comprises the steps of using a drill to create a cortical window in cortical bone and fragment trabecular bone under the cortical bone; inserting a suction apparatus through the cortical window and sweeping the distal ends of the suction apparatus in various directions to extract by suction cancellous bone and bone marrow of the fragmented trabecular bone, the suction apparatus being attached to a collection container to which as suction source is connected; disconnecting the suction source from the collection container; removing a lid of the collection container from a cup of the collection container, to which lid the suction apparatus is attached; attaching a second lid having a plunger with press head for filtering cancellous bone from bone marrow; depressing the plunger and compacting the cancellous bone against the bottom of the cup; and pouring bone marrow from the cup into another cup while depressing the plunger against the cancellous bone, thereby separating the bone marrow from the cancellous bone.

[036] In a feature, the suction apparatus comprises a suction wand.

[037] In a feature, the cortical bone is of the distal femur, proximal tibia, distal tibia, or calcaneus of an individual. [038] In a feature, the sweeping step is performed while holding the collection container to which the suction apparatus is attached.

[039] In a feature, the method further comprises pouring or drawing bone marrow into a syringe and injecting the drawn bone marrow within the harvested bone graft or directly into an operative site to promote healing.

[040] In a feature, the method further comprises leaving the suction apparatus attached to the lid for repeating harvesting using another cup.

[041] Other aspects comprise methods disclosed herein for harvesting cancellous bone and marrow.

[042] Another aspect comprises a method includes steps for harvesting cancellous bone and marrow and, preferably, harvesting autologous cancellous bone and marrow from a distal femur, proximal tibia, distal tibia, or calcaneus of an individual for use as an autograft for that individual.

[043] Another aspect comprises a method includes steps for harvesting cancellous bone and marrow and, preferably, harvesting autologous cancellous bone and marrow from an intramedullary canal that is formed in a medullary cavity of a bone of an individual for use as an autograft for that individual, which bone of the medullar cavity preferably is the tibia or the femur.

[044] Another aspect comprises apparatus that are used to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[045] Additional aspects and features are disclosed in the appendices, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, including the disclosures and teachings of the videos.

[046] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention, it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the various logical combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisional or continuing patent application or applications may be separately directed to any aspect, feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, or combination thereof, without requiring any other aspect, feature, or embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[047] One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[048] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a preferred method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

[049] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of another preferred method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

[050] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of another preferred method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

[051] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another preferred method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

[052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of a bone press apparatus.

[053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a suction tube.

[054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suction wand.

[055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a leg illustrating locations of harvesting. [056] FIG. 9 illustrates apparatus for use in methods of the invention.

[057] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrates a lid with a plunger unscrewed and removed from a cup

[058] FIG. 12 illustrates the lid with a plunger screwed onto a cup.

[059] FIG. 13 illustrates a lid with a suction port for connection to a suction source screwed onto a cup.

[060] FIG. 14 illustrates the lid of FIG. 13 unscrewed and removed from the cup.

[061] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate various views of another suction wand used in preferred methods of the invention.

[062] FIG. 19 illustrates the connection of the suction wand of FIG. 15-18 to a collection container comprising the cup and lid of FIG. 13.

[063] FIG. 20 illustrates holding of the suction wand 620 and collection container during use in certain preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the wand 620 is extended through a cortical window for extraction, by suction, of cancellous bone and bone marrow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[064] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any

embodiment discussed and identified as being“preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of what is regarded as the invention.

[065] Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[066] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein. [067] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary

Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein— as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term— differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[068] With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase“means for” or“step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once but not necessarily every time during performance of the claimed method.

[069] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,“comprising” is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive. Additionally,“a” and“an” each generally denotes“at least one” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to“a picnic basket having an apple” is the same as“a picnic basket comprising an apple” and“a picnic basket including an apple”, each of which identically describes“a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as“a picnic basket having apples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, reference to“a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast,“a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only a single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket contains no other item.

[070] When used herein to join a list of items,“or” denotes“at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to“a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes“a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”,“a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and“a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.

[071] When used herein to join a list of items,“and” denotes“all of the items of the list”. Thus, reference to“a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes“a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes“a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.

[072] The phrase“at least one” followed by a list of items joined by“and” denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list. Thus,“at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the following mutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there is an orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. In these scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple, and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange. Moreover, the phrase“one or more” followed by a list of items joined by“and” is the equivalent of“at least one” followed by the list of items joined by“and”. [073] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

[074] Generally described, preferred methods of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow include extracting loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow— including a liquid component thereof— to a collection container that has a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. After suctioning, the suction source is disconnected and a lid of the collection container is removed and replaced with a lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the first cup. The filtered liquid is poured through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains. The bone is extracted through a cortical opening in the femur, tibia, or calcaneus, or from an intermedullary canal that is preferably formed by reaming of the tibia using an orthopedic reamer.

[075] Thus, for example, FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a preferred method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The method 100 comprises steps 102 through 110. Step 102 comprise extracting loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow— including liquid component thereof— by suction to a collection container having a cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. Step 104 comprises, after step 102, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port. Step 106 comprises replacing the lid of collection container with a lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the cup. Step 108 comprises depressing the plunger toward the bottom of the cup to filter the extracted liquid. Step 110 comprises pouring the filtered liquid through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the cup.

[076] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of another preferred method 200 of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The method 200 comprises steps 202 through 214. Step 202 comprises creating within a medullary cavity an intermedullary canal, including loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal. Step 204 comprises inserting a suction tube through the intermedullary canal and extracting by suction through the suction tube the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal, wherein the bone marrow comprises a liquid, and wherein the suction tube is attached to a lid of collection container having a cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. Step 206 comprises, after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the cup. Step 208 comprises removing the lid of the collection container from the cup of the collection container. Step 210 comprises attaching a second lid to the cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the cup. Step 212 comprises filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the cup. Step 214 comprises pouring the filtered liquid from the cup through a suction port into another cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid cancellous bone mass that remains in the cup.

[077] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of another preferred method 300 of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The method 300 comprises steps 302 through 316. Step 302 comprises creating an opening in cortical bone. Step 304 comprises accessing through the opening and loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow. Step 306 comprises inserting a suction apparatus through the opening and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, and the suction apparatus being attached to a collection container having cup and a suction port to which suction source is connected. Step 308 comprises, after extracting, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the cup. Step 310 comprises removing the lid from the cup of the collection container, and step 312 comprises attaching another lid to cup of the collection container, wherein the second lid has a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in cup. Step 314 comprises filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the cup. Step 316 comprises pouring the filtered liquid from the cup through a suction port into another cup while depressing plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid cancellous bone mass that remains in cup.

[078] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a preferred method 400 of harvesting from an individual, in an operating room and within 8 minutes, at least 8 cc to 12 cc of a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone of the individual and, separated therefrom, at least 10 cc to 15 cc of liquid bone marrow of the individual, all in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention. The method 400 comprises steps 402 through 416. Step 402 comprises using a high-speed drill with a cutting burr to create a cortical window in cortical bone. Step 404 comprises further using the high-speed drill to loosen for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow accessed through the cortical window. Step 406 comprises inserting a suction apparatus through the cortical window and extracting with suction the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, and the suction apparatus being attached to a lid of a collection container having a cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. Step 408 comprises, after extracting, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port. Step 410 comprises removing the lid from the cup. Step 412 comprises attaching a lid to the cup which lid has a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter extracted liquid contained in cup. Step 414 comprises filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the cup. Step 416 comprise pouring filtered liquid from cup through a suction port into second cup while depressing plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid cancellous bone mass that remains in the cup.

[079] The foregoing collection container including first and second lids preferably comprise the bone press apparatus as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,920,393, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such bone press apparatus are commercially sold by Hensler Surgical Products, LLC, of Wilmington, NC. The components of such a bone press apparatus are seen in FIG. 5 and comprise a first cup 502 with a first lid 504, and a second cup 506 with a second lid 508. The second lid 508 comprises a plunger 510 having a press head for filtering liquid marrow from cancellous bone and a suction port 512. The first lid 504 includes a suction port 514 and another port 516 for connection to a suction apparatus or suction tube. A preferred suction tube is seen in FIG. 6, and a suction apparatus comprising a suction wand 520 is seen in FIG. 7. The suction tube 518 preferably is used to connect the suction wand 520 to the port 516 of the first lid 504 in certain preferred methods of the invention that include harvesting of the distal femur, proximal tibia, distal tibia, and calcaneous, all of which are identified in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates such a connection. FIG. 9 also illustrates another tube 522 that connects the suction port 512 to a suction source.

[080] FIGS. 10 and 11 each illustrates the second lid 508 with plunger 510 unscrewed and removed from a cup (either 506, or 502, as the cups are interchangeable). FIG. 12 illustrates the second lid 508 screwed onto a cup. Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates the lid 504 screwed onto a cup (also either 502, or 506, as the cups are interchangeable). FIG. 14 illustrates the first lid 504 unscrewed and removed from the cup of FIG. 13.

[081] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate various views of another suction wand 620 used in preferred methods of the invention. As seen in these figures, the suction wand 620 includes a slider 622 for adjusting the suction applied at a suction tip 622 of the wand 620.

[082] FIG. 19 illustrates the connection of the suction wand 620 to the collection container comprising cup 502,506 and lid 504 for use in certain preferred embodiments of the invention.

[083] FIG. 20 illustrates holding of the suction wand 620 and collection container during use in certain preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the wand 620 is extended through a cortical window for extraction, by suction, of cancellous bone and bone marrow.

[084] The cortical window preferably is created using a high-speed drill as well as for pre -acquisition of the precious patient-derived graft material. This allows for small cortical windows, precision targeted graft derivation with control, speed, and a significantly less aggressive method for harvesting stem-cell and growth factor rich graft for use in bone fusion procedures. The suction wand preferably has variable - suction control. Importantly, no irrigation is added to the bone marrow that would dilute the bone marrow. Additionally, no suction is applied during use of the press head of the plunger and the separation of the bone marrow and cancellous bone.

[085] As a result of the methods disclosed herein utilizing the bone press apparatus with the suction, it has been discovered that an unexpectedly large yield of cancellous bone and marrow is obtained following intramedullary reaming. From actual implementation, 20cc and more of such bone has been obtained after utilizing the traditional intramedullary reaming procedures.

[086] Other preferred methods of the invention include harvesting cancellous bone and marrow from an intramedullary canal of an individual for use as an autograft for that individual following drilling and reaming. An exemplary method is now set forth. In particular, a long pilot hole is created by a drill within the center of a long bone such as the tibia. Drilling and intramedullary reaming loosens up the cancellous bone and marrow. Preferably, an intramedullary rod is inserted into the canal afterwards. Once depth of drilling to create the intramedullary canal is satisfactory for the surgeon, the reamer is used. The reamer is cannulated whereby the guide wire remains within the canal the entire time. Multiple reamers are used and set aside for keeping the bone to be added to the press later. The bone captured on the reamers is scraped off with an instrument and used in the autograft. Once the reaming is complete, the bone press apparatus with suction is employed. A suction line is cut approximately 2-3 feet and attached to the silicon tubing. The tubing can be cut and the new suction tubing can be placed over the superior port, but this is not necessary, as the bone press apparatus preferably has a right angle for connecting the tubes. With suction on, the cut suction line is inserted around the guide wire. The guide wire does not leave the canal. Then by moving the suction tubing all the way in and spinning the tubing in multiple in and out motions within the canal and over the guide wire, cancellous bone and marrow is harvested from the medullary cavity along the intramedullary canal created by the intramedullary reaming. Once done, the collection is handed off to the scrub tech and the press top is attached. Of note, suction is not applied when the press head is used. Instead, the plunger is fully pressed downward and the apparatus tilted to pour off the liquid marrow into a second container.

[087] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the invention has broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention. Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow, comprising:

(a) creating an intermedullary canal, including loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow along the canal;

(b) inserting a suction tube through the intermedullary canal and extracting through the

suction tube the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction tube being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a suction port to which a suction source is connected;

(c) after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the collection container;

(d) removing the first lid of the collection container from the first cup of the collection

container;

(e) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup;

(f) filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the first cup; and

(g) pouring the filtered liquid from the first cup through a port into a second cup while

depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the first cup.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating an intermedullary canal is performed using an orthopedic reamer.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising collecting cancellous bone and bone marrow from the orthopedic reamer after withdrawing the orthopedic reamer from the intermedullary canal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the intermedullary canal that is formed begins at a distal end of a tibia and extends along a longitudinal axis of the tibia toward a proximal end of the tibia.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal comprises passing the suction tube in and out of the intermedullary canal while spinning the suction tube with one hand and holding with the other hand the collection container to which the suction tube is attached.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow along the intermedullary canal comprises passing the suction tube in and out of the intermedullary canal over a guide wire that extends within the intermedullary canal.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising pouring or drawing the filtered liquid from the second cup into a syringe and injecting the liquid within an autograft or directly into an operative site to promote healing.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising leaving the suction apparatus attached to the first lid for repeating the harvesting method.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second lid having the plunger additionally comprises a vent, whereby a low pressure is not created within the first cup during pouring of the liquid through the suction port while depressing the plunger.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein no irrigation is performed that would dilute the extracted liquid.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein no suction is applied to the first cup during depressing of the plunger.

12. A method of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow, comprising:

(a) creating an opening in cortical bone;

(b) accessing through the opening and loosening for extraction cancellous bone and bone marrow;

(c) inserting a suction apparatus through the opening and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction apparatus being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a suction port to which a suction source is connected;

(d) after extracting the cancellous bone and bone marrow, disconnecting the suction source from the suction port of the collection container;

(e) removing the first lid of the collection container from the first cup of the collection

container;

(f) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup;

(g) filtering the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger of the second lid toward a bottom of the first cup; and

(h) pouring the filtered liquid from the first cup through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains in the first cup.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the suction apparatus comprises a suction wand.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow

comprises sweeping a distal end of the suction wand in various directions while extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the sweeping step is performed while holding the collection container to which the suction apparatus is attached.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising pouring or drawing the filtered liquid from the

second cup into a syringe and injecting the liquid within an autograft or directly into an operative site to promote healing.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising leaving the suction apparatus attached to the first lid for repeating the harvesting method.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein no irrigation is performed that would dilute the extracted liquid.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein no suction is applied to the first cup during depressing of the plunger.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the second lid having the plunger additionally comprises a vent, whereby a low pressure is not created within the first cup during pouring of the liquid through the suction port while depressing the plunger.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of creating an opening in cortical bone comprises using a high-speed drill having a cutting burr to create the opening.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the cutting burr is used to create the opening and to loosening the cancellous bone and bone marrow for extraction that is accessed through the opening.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the cutting burr is a 4 mm cutting burr.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the cutting burr is a 5 mm cutting burr.

25. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of creating an opening in cortical bone comprises using a drill comprising a 4 mm cutting burr followed by replacing the 4 mm cutting burr with a 5 mm cutting burr and continuing to use the drill.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of using 6 mm and then 7 mm currettes to increase the size of the opening.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein a maximum dimension of the opening created using the drill is approximately 6 mm to 7 mm.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the depth of drilling is between 1.8 cm to 2.3 cm inclusive.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein 8 cc to 12 cc of cancellous bone and 10 cc to 15 cc of bone marrow is obtained within 8 minutes.

30. A method of harvesting from an individual, in an operating room and within 8 minutes, at least 8 cc to 12 cc of a spongy semi-solid mass of cancellous bone of the individual and, separated therefrom, at least 10 cc to 15 cc of liquid bone marrow of the individual, the method comprising:

(a) using a high-speed drill having a cutting burr to create a cortical window in cortical bone;

(b) further using the high-speed drill to loosen for extraction cancellous bone and bone

marrow accessed through the cortical window;

(c) inserting a suction apparatus through the cortical window and extracting the loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow, the bone marrow comprising a liquid, the suction apparatus being attached to a first lid of a collection container, the collection container having a suction port to which a suction source is connected;

container; (f) attaching a second lid to the first cup of the collection container, the second lid having a plunger with a press head configured to filter the extracted liquid contained in the first cup;

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a distal tibia.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a distal femur.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a proximal tibia.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the cortical window is created in cortical bone at a calcaneus.